WO2017150595A1

WO2017150595A1 - Immunity inducer

Info

Publication number: WO2017150595A1
Application number: PCT/JP2017/008055
Authority: WO
Inventors: 祥栗原; 文義岡野
Original assignee: 東レ株式会社
Priority date: 2016-03-02
Filing date: 2017-03-01
Publication date: 2017-09-08
Also published as: EP3424518A4; PL3424518T3; AU2017227308B2; EP3424518A1; HUE056857T2; RU2018134171A; CA3016298A1; JPWO2017150595A1; RU2018134171A3; CN108697757A; CN116059325A; AU2017227308A1; JP7147168B2; KR102356961B1; US20190076505A1; BR112018016920A2; CN108697757B; KR20180117653A; ES2890425T3; PT3424518T

Abstract

The present invention addresses the problem of discovering a novel peptide useful as an active ingredient of a drug for the treatment or prevention of cancer, and providing the use of the polypeptide as an immunity inducer. An immunity inducer containing as an active ingredient (a) a polypeptide comprising amino acids shown by SEQ ID NOS: 3-45 or (b) a polypeptide in which one to several amino acids of the polypeptide of (a) are deleted, substituted, or added is useful as a drug for the treatment or prevention of cancer.

Description

Immune inducer

The present invention relates to a novel immunity-inducing agent useful as an active ingredient of a therapeutic or prophylactic agent for cancer.

SCD1 (stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1) protein is a protein that introduces a double bond at the C9-C10 position of a saturated fatty acid.

SCD1 protein has been suggested to be associated with carcinogenesis. For example, in

Non-Patent Documents

1 and 2, expression is increased in various cancers such as liver cancer, esophageal cancer, and colon cancer. When the function of SCD1 is inhibited by siRNA or a small molecule inhibitor, the proliferation of cancer cells is suppressed. It is disclosed that apoptosis is induced and the formed tumor is reduced.

On the other hand, Patent Document 1 discloses that SCD1 protein has immunity-inducing activity against cancer cells, and is therefore useful for the treatment and prevention of cancer. However, Patent Document 1 does not disclose information about peptides that bind to MHC molecules.

WO2012 / 157736

An object of the present invention is to find a novel polypeptide useful as an active ingredient of a therapeutic or preventive agent for cancer, and to provide use of the polypeptide as an immune inducer.

Another object of the present invention is to provide an isolated antigen-presenting cell containing a complex of the polypeptide and MHC molecule, an isolated T cell that selectively binds the complex of the polypeptide and MHC molecule, and cancers thereof. It is to provide a therapeutic or prophylactic agent.

As a result of earnest research, the inventors of the present application have found that human SCD1 protein consisting of the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 2 is malignant lymphoma, breast cancer, liver cancer, prostate cancer, ovarian cancer, kidney cancer, colon cancer, gastric cancer, malignant brain tumor, It was found that it is specifically expressed in tissues or cells of esophageal cancer and lung cancer. A partial peptide present in a specific region of the SCD1 protein is presented by an antigen-presenting cell and has the ability to activate and proliferate T cells specific for the polypeptide (immunity-inducing activity); and It has been found that the immunity induction activity is useful for the treatment or prevention of cancer. Based on these results, the polypeptide can be an active ingredient of an immunity-inducing agent for the treatment and / or prevention of cancer, and an antigen-presenting cell in contact with the peptide or a T in contact with the antigen-presenting cell. The present inventors have found that cells are also useful for treating or preventing cancer and completed the present invention.

That is, the present invention has the following features (1) to (12).
(1) at least one polypeptide selected from the group of polypeptides described in the following (a) or (b) and having immunity-inducing activity;
(a) Seven consecutive in the region of positions 34-50, 69-148, 178-195, 207-242, 247-280, 296-332 in the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 2 Polypeptide consisting of the above amino acids
(b) a polypeptide in which one to several amino acids are deleted, substituted, inserted or added in the amino acid sequence of any one of the polypeptides described in (a) above, or encoding any one of the above polypeptides A immunity-inducing agent comprising, as an active ingredient, a recombinant vector comprising at least one polynucleotide to be expressed and capable of expressing the polypeptide in vivo.
(2) The immunity-inducing agent according to (1), wherein the polypeptide having immunity-inducing activity binds to MHC class I molecules.
(3) The immunity-inducing agent according to (2), wherein the polypeptide having immunity-inducing activity is any one polypeptide selected from the group of polypeptides described in (c) to (e) below.
(c) a polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NOs: 3 to 36
(d) a polypeptide in which one to several amino acids have been deleted, substituted, inserted or added in the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide of (c)
(e) a polypeptide comprising the polypeptide according to (c) or (d) as a partial sequence (4) the immunity according to (1), wherein the polypeptide having immunity-inducing activity binds to an MHC class II molecule Inducer.
(5) The immunity-inducing agent according to (4), wherein the polypeptide having immunity-inducing activity is any one polypeptide selected from the group of polypeptides described in (f) to (h) below.
(f) a polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NOs: 37 to 45
(g) a polypeptide in which one to several amino acids have been deleted, substituted, inserted or added in the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide of (f)
(h) A polypeptide comprising the polypeptide described in (f) or (g) as a partial sequence (6) used as an active ingredient of a therapeutic or prophylactic agent for cancer, according to any one of (1) to (5) Immunity inducer.
(7) The immunity-inducing agent according to (6), wherein the cancer is a cancer that expresses SCD1 protein.
(8) The immune induction according to (6) or (7), wherein the cancer is malignant lymphoma, breast cancer, liver cancer, prostate cancer, ovarian cancer, kidney cancer, colon cancer, gastric cancer, malignant brain tumor, esophageal cancer or lung cancer Agent.
(9) The immunity-inducing agent according to any one of (1) to (8), further comprising an immune enhancing agent.
(10) An isolated antigen-presenting cell comprising a complex of the polypeptide having immunity-inducing activity according to (1), (3) or (5) and an MHC molecule.

(11) An isolated T cell that selectively binds a complex of a polypeptide having immunity-inducing activity according to (1), (3) or (5) and an MHC molecule.
(12) Any one polypeptide selected from the group of polypeptides described in the following (a) or (b) and having immunity-inducing activity.
(a) Seven consecutive in the region of positions 34-50, 69-148, 178-195, 207-242, 247-280, 296-332 in the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 2 A polypeptide having immunity-inducing activity comprising the above amino acids,
(b) A polypeptide in which one to several amino acids have been deleted, substituted, inserted or added in the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide described in (a).
(13) The following (i) to (iv):
(I) At least one polypeptide selected from the group of polypeptides described in the following (a) or (b) and having immunity-inducing activity:
(a) Seven consecutive in the region of positions 34-50, 69-148, 178-195, 207-242, 247-280, 296-332 in the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 2 A polypeptide comprising the above amino acids,
(b) a polypeptide in which one to several amino acids are deleted, substituted, inserted or added in the amino acid sequence of any one of the polypeptides described in (a) above;
(Ii) a recombinant vector comprising at least one polynucleotide encoding any one of the polypeptides, and capable of expressing the polypeptide in vivo;
(Iii) an isolated antigen-presenting cell comprising a complex of any one of the polypeptides and an MHC molecule; and (iv) an isolated T cell specific for any one of the polypeptides,
A therapeutic or prophylactic agent for cancer comprising one or more selected from the group consisting of as active ingredients.
(14) The treatment or prevention of cancer according to (13), wherein the polypeptide having immunity-inducing activity is at least one polypeptide selected from the group of polypeptides described in (c) to (h) below: medicine:
(c) a polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NOs: 3-36;
(d) a polypeptide in which one to several amino acids are deleted, substituted, inserted or added in the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide according to (c);
(e) a polypeptide comprising the polypeptide according to (c) or (d) as a partial sequence;
(f) a polypeptide consisting of the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NOs: 37 to 45;
(g) a polypeptide in which one to several amino acids are deleted, substituted, inserted or added in the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide described in (f);
(h) A polypeptide comprising the polypeptide according to (f) or (g) as a partial sequence.
(15) The cancer therapeutic or prophylactic agent according to (13) or (14), wherein the cancer is a cancer that expresses SCD1 protein.
(16) The following (i) to (iv):
(I) At least one polypeptide selected from the group of polypeptides described in the following (a) or (b) and having immunity-inducing activity:
(a) Seven consecutive in the region of positions 34-50, 69-148, 178-195, 207-242, 247-280, 296-332 in the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 2 A polypeptide comprising the above amino acids,
(b) a polypeptide in which one to several amino acids are deleted, substituted, inserted or added in the amino acid sequence of any one of the polypeptides described in (a) above;
(Ii) a recombinant vector comprising at least one polynucleotide encoding any one of the polypeptides, and capable of expressing the polypeptide in vivo;
(Iii) an isolated antigen-presenting cell comprising a complex of any one of the polypeptides and an MHC molecule; and (iv) an isolated T cell specific for any one of the polypeptides,
A method for treating or preventing cancer, comprising administering one or more selected from the group consisting of to a subject animal in need thereof.
(17) The method according to (16), wherein the polypeptide having immunity-inducing activity is at least one polypeptide selected from the group of polypeptides described in (c) to (h) below:
(c) a polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NOs: 3-36;
(d) a polypeptide in which one to several amino acids are deleted, substituted, inserted or added in the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide according to (c);
(e) a polypeptide comprising the polypeptide according to (c) or (d) as a partial sequence;
(f) a polypeptide consisting of the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NOs: 37 to 45;
(g) a polypeptide in which one to several amino acids are deleted, substituted, inserted or added in the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide described in (f);
(h) A polypeptide comprising the polypeptide according to (f) or (g) as a partial sequence.
(18) The method according to (16) or (17), wherein the cancer is a cancer that expresses SCD1 protein.

This specification includes the disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2016-040364, which is the basis of the priority of this application.

According to the present invention, a novel immunity-inducing agent useful as an active ingredient of a therapeutic or prophylactic agent for cancer is provided.

In addition, as specifically shown in Examples described later, immune cells that kill cancer cells can be induced by the polypeptide used in the present invention, and cancer that has already occurred can be reduced or regressed. . Furthermore, the induction of immune cells that kill cancer cells can be enhanced by the peptides used in the present invention, and cancer that has already occurred can be reduced or regressed. Therefore, the polypeptide of the present invention is useful as an active ingredient of a therapeutic or prophylactic agent for cancer.

It is a figure which shows the expression pattern in a human tumor tissue or a cancer cell line of SCD1 gene. Reference number 1: shows the expression pattern of the human SCD1 gene. Reference number 2: shows the expression pattern of the GAPDH gene, which is a human housekeeping gene. FIG. 3 is a view showing that CD8-positive T cells specific for each polypeptide consisting of the amino acid sequences shown in SEQ ID NOs: 3 to 23 recognize a complex of the polypeptide and HLA-A0201, and produce IFN-γ. is there. In the figure, lanes 4 to 24 on the horizontal axis represent IFN-γ production of HLA-A0201-positive CD8-positive T cells by stimulation of dendritic cells pulsed with the polypeptides represented by the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 3 to 23, respectively. Show performance. Lane 1 shows the result (Mock) when the above treatment is performed without adding the polypeptide, and Lane 2 shows the result by adding a negative control polypeptide outside the scope of the present invention shown in SEQ ID NO: 46. The results are shown, and lane 3 shows the results of the above treatment with the addition of the full-length SCD1 protein consisting of the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 2. FIG. 2 is a view showing that CD8-positive T cells specific for each polypeptide consisting of the amino acid sequences shown in SEQ ID NOs: 24-36 recognize a complex of the polypeptide and HLA-A24 and produce IFN-γ. is there. In the figure, lanes 4 to 16 on the horizontal axis represent IFN-γ production of HLA-A24-positive CD8-positive T cells by stimulation of dendritic cells pulsed with the polypeptides represented by the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 24-36, respectively. Show performance. Lane 1 shows the result (Mock) when the above treatment is performed without adding the polypeptide, and Lane 2 shows the result of adding the negative control peptide shown in SEQ ID NO: 47 outside the scope of the present invention. Lane 3 shows the results of adding the full-length SCD1 protein consisting of the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 2 and performing the above treatment. FIG. 3 is a graph showing the damage activity of a CD8-positive T cell specific for each polypeptide consisting of the amino acid sequences shown in SEQ ID NOs: 3 to 23 against cancer cells. In the figure, lanes 4 to 24 on the horizontal axis show cytotoxic activity against U251 cells of HLA-A0201-positive CD8-positive T cells induced by using the polypeptides represented by the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 3 to 23, respectively. . Lane 1 shows the cytotoxic activity of CD8 positive T cells (Mock) induced without addition of the polypeptide, and Lane 2 shows cells of CD8 positive T cells induced with the negative control polypeptide (SEQ ID NO: 46). Lane activity shows the cytotoxic activity of CD8-positive T cells induced using the full-length SCD1 protein consisting of the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 2. FIG. 3 is a graph showing the damage activity of a CD8-positive T cell specific for each polypeptide consisting of the amino acid sequences shown in SEQ ID NOs: 3 to 23 against cancer cells. In the figure, lanes 4 to 24 on the horizontal axis represent HLA-A0201-positive CD8-positive T cells induced with the polypeptides represented by the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 3 to 23, respectively, with respect to SK-Hep-1 cells. Shows cytotoxic activity. Lane 1 shows the cytotoxic activity of CD8 positive T cells (Mock) induced without addition of the polypeptide, and Lane 2 shows cells of CD8 positive T cells induced with the negative control polypeptide (SEQ ID NO: 46). Lane activity shows the cytotoxic activity of CD8 positive T cells induced using the full-length SCD1 protein consisting of the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 2. FIG. 3 is a graph showing the damage activity against cancer cells of CD8-positive T cells specific for each polypeptide consisting of the amino acid sequences shown in SEQ ID NOs: 24-36 Lanes 4 to 16 on the horizontal axis show cytotoxic activity against SW480 cells of HLA-A24-positive CD8-positive T cells stimulated with the polypeptides represented by the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 24-36, respectively. Lane 1 shows the cytotoxic activity of CD8 positive T cells (Mock) induced without addition of the polypeptide, and reference number 2 shows the CD8 positive T cells induced using the negative control polypeptide (SEQ ID NO: 47). Cytotoxic activity is shown, and lane 3 shows the cytotoxic activity of CD8 positive T cells induced using the SCD1 protein consisting of the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 2. FIG. 3 is a graph showing the cytotoxic activity of a CD8-positive T cell specific for each peptide consisting of the amino acid sequences shown in SEQ ID NOs: 24-36 on cancer cells. Lanes 4 to 16 on the horizontal axis show cytotoxic activity against ZR-75-1 cells of HLA-A24 positive CD8 positive T cells stimulated with polypeptides represented by amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 24 to 36, respectively. Show. Lane 1 shows the cytotoxic activity of CD8 positive T cells (Mock) induced without addition of the polypeptide, and reference number 2 shows the CD8 positive T cells induced using the negative control polypeptide (SEQ ID NO: 47). Cytotoxic activity is shown, and lane 3 shows the cytotoxic activity of CD8 positive T cells induced using the SCD1 protein consisting of the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 2. It shows that CD4-positive T cells specific for each polypeptide consisting of the amino acid sequences shown in SEQ ID NOs: 37 to 45 recognize the complex of the polypeptide and HLA-DRB1 * 04 and produce IFN-γ. FIG. Lanes 4 to 12 show the IFN-γ production ability of HLA-DRB1 * 04 positive CD4 positive T cells by stimulation of dendritic cells pulsed with the polypeptides represented by the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 37 to 45, respectively. Lane 1 shows the result of Mock when the above treatment is performed without adding the polypeptide, and Lane 2 shows the result of adding the negative control polypeptide outside the scope of the present invention shown in SEQ ID NO: 48 and carrying out the above treatment. Lane 3 shows the results of adding the full-length SCD1 protein consisting of the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 2 and performing the above treatment.

<Polypeptide>
In the present invention, “polypeptide” refers to a molecule formed by peptide bonding of a plurality of amino acids. The polypeptide of the present invention encompasses not only a polypeptide molecule having a large number of amino acids but also a low molecular weight molecule (oligopeptide) having a small number of amino acids.

The polypeptide constituting the immunity-inducing agent of the present invention includes at least one polypeptide selected from the group of polypeptides described in the following (a) or (b) and having immunity-inducing activity.
(a) In the human SCD1 protein consisting of the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 2, positions 34 to 50 (17 amino acids), 69 to 148 (80 amino acids), and 178 to 195 when the starting methionine is position 1 ( 18 amino acids), 207 to 242 positions (36 amino acids), 247 to 280 positions (34 amino acids), 296 to 332 positions (37 amino acids), a polypeptide comprising 7 or more consecutive amino acids
(b) A polypeptide in which one to several amino acids are deleted, substituted, inserted or added in the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide described in (a).

In the present invention, “consisting of an amino acid sequence” means that amino acid residues are arranged in such an order. Therefore, for example, the “polypeptide consisting of the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 2” has the amino acid sequence of Met Asp Pro Ala (...), Tyr Lys Ser Gly shown in SEQ ID NO: 2. Means a polypeptide of size 359 amino acid residues. In the present specification, for example, “polypeptide consisting of the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 2” is often abbreviated as “polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 2”. The same applies to the expression “consisting of a base sequence”.

In the present invention, “immunity-inducing activity” means the ability to activate and proliferate T cells that react with cancer cells that express SCD1 protein. Specifically, the ability of cytotoxic T cells and / or helper T cells stimulated with SCD1 protein or a partial polypeptide thereof to be higher than that of unstimulated control T cells, SCD1 Cytotoxicity of cytotoxic T cells stimulated with the protein or a partial polypeptide thereof is higher than that of unstimulated control T cells with respect to SCD1 protein-expressing cancer cells; Stimulated helper T cells enhance the cytotoxic activity of cytotoxic T cells over that of unstimulated control T cells, or cytotoxic T cells stimulated with SCD1 protein or a partial polypeptide thereof Means that cells or helper T cells proliferate better than that of unstimulated control T cells

The proliferation of cells can be confirmed by visual observation, measurement of the number of cells under a microscope, flow cytometry, the amount of tritium thymidine in the medium incorporated into the cells, and the like. The measurement of IFN-γ production ability can be confirmed using, for example, a known ELISPOT assay. Specifically, for example, as described in Examples below, first, a T cell, a polypeptide (in the present invention, SCD1 protein or a partial polypeptide thereof) to be evaluated for immunity-inducing activity, and peripheral blood mononuclear By co-culturing with antigen-presenting cells derived from spheres (hereinafter referred to as “PBMC”), T cells are brought into contact with antigen-presenting cells that present the polypeptide to be evaluated. Subsequently, IFN-γ produced from T cells is measured using an antibody specific for IFN-γ. Thereby, the number of immune cells in the T cell can be measured. From these measurement results, immunity-inducing activity can be evaluated.

In addition, the cytotoxic activity can be measured, for example, by co-culturing T cells with a polypeptide to be evaluated for cytotoxic activity (in the present invention, SCD1 protein or a partial polypeptide thereof) and PBMC-derived antigen-presenting cells. It can be evaluated by examining whether or not it exhibits the ability to suppress the growth of tumor cells or the ability to kill tumor cells (hereinafter referred to as “cytotoxic activity”). As described later, the contact between the T cell and the antigen-presenting cell can be achieved by co-culturing both in a liquid medium. The cytotoxic activity can be measured by a known method called ⁵¹ Cr release assay described in Int. J. Cancer, 58: P317, 1994, for example.

By administering the T cells induced above to a cancer-bearing organism, the tumor can be reduced or regressed due to the cytotoxic activity of the T cells. Therefore, the immunity induction activity can also be evaluated as the ability to suppress the growth of cancer cells or to reduce or eliminate cancer tissue (tumor) (hereinafter referred to as “antitumor activity”).

When the above polypeptide is used for the treatment or prevention of cancer, it is not particularly limited, but the evaluation of immunity induction activity is preferably based on the cytotoxic activity or antitumor activity.

As known in the art, since a polypeptide of about 7 amino acid residues or more can include an epitope, it can exhibit antigenicity and immunogenicity, and can have immunity-inducing activity. It can be used as an agent.

Therefore, the polypeptide of (a) above has positions 34-50, 69-148, 178-195, 207-242, 247-280, 296-332 in the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 2. A polypeptide consisting of 7 or more, preferably 8, 9 or 10 or more consecutive amino acids in the region, and has immunity-inducing activity. Particularly preferably, it has an amino acid sequence represented by positions 34-50, 69-148, 178-195, 207-242, 247-280, 296-332 in the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 2. Is.

As a principle of inducing immunity by administering a cancer antigen polypeptide, the polypeptide is taken into the antigen-presenting cell, and then undergoes degradation by peptidase in the cell to become a smaller fragment, and then the fragmented antigen peptide Is presented on the surface of the antigen-presenting cell. It is known that cytotoxic T cells and the like recognize an antigen presented on the cell surface and selectively kill cancer cells presenting the antigen on the cell surface. In addition, the helper T cell recognizes the antigen presented on the surface of the antigen-presenting cell and promotes induction of cytotoxic T cells that selectively kill cancer cells presenting the antigen on the cell surface. Are known. The size of the antigen polypeptide presented on the surface of the antigen-presenting cell is relatively small, and is about 7 to 30 amino acids. Therefore, from the viewpoint of presentation on antigen-presenting cells, the above-mentioned polypeptide (a) includes the positions 34 to 50, 69 to 148, 178 to 195, 207 in the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 2. It is preferably about 7 to 30 consecutive in the amino acid sequence shown at positions 242, 247, 280, 296, 332. It is sufficient that the polypeptide consists of about 8 to 30, about 9 to 30, or about 9 to 25 amino acids. These relatively small polypeptides may be presented directly on the cell surface on antigen-presenting cells without being taken up into antigen-presenting cells.

Polypeptides taken up by antigen-presenting cells are cleaved at random positions by peptidases in the cells to generate various polypeptide fragments, and these polypeptide fragments are presented on the surface of antigen-presenting cells. Therefore, a polypeptide having a large size such as positions 34-50, 69-148, 178-195, 207-242, 247-280, 296-332 in the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 2 Is administered, inevitably results in polypeptide fragments effective for inducing immunity via antigen-presenting cells due to degradation in antigen-presenting cells. Therefore, a large-sized polypeptide can be used for immunity induction via antigen-presenting cells. For example, the number of amino acids of the polypeptide may be 30 or more, preferably 40 or more, more preferably 50 or more, and still more preferably 100 or more.

Furthermore, the polypeptide of the present invention has 8 to 25, preferably 9 to 24, more preferably 9 to 23 having a binding motif with a class I molecule or class II molecule of MHC (HLA in humans) described later. A collation medium that can search for epitope peptides consisting of a single amino acid, for example, HLA Peptide Binding Predications (http: // bimas. Or it can be obtained by collating with SYFPEITHI and screening for peptides that can be epitope peptides. Specifically, the polypeptide of the present invention has positions 34-50, 69-148, 178-195, 207-242, 247-280, 296-332 in the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 2. A polypeptide consisting of seven or more consecutive amino acids in the region. For example, the polypeptide of the present invention includes a polypeptide represented by SEQ ID NO: 3 to 45 or a polypeptide consisting of the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 3 to 45 as a partial sequence, and has 10 to 10 amino acid residues. A polypeptide that is 30. Among these, among the polypeptides represented by SEQ ID NOs: 3 to 45 or the polypeptides comprising the amino acid sequences represented by SEQ ID NOs: 3 to 45 as partial sequences and having 10 to 30 amino acid residues The immunity-inducing activity of the polypeptides represented by SEQ ID NOs: 3-36 is due to binding to MHC class I molecules, and the immunity-inducing activities of the polypeptides represented by SEQ ID NOs: 37-45 are due to binding to MHC class II molecules. Is.

On the other hand, the polypeptide (b) is a polypeptide in which one or several amino acid residues in the polypeptide (a) are substituted, deleted, inserted and / or added, And a polypeptide having immunity-inducing activity. For example, the polypeptide of the present invention includes a polypeptide in which one to several amino acids are deleted, substituted, inserted or added in the polypeptide consisting of the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NOs: 3 to 45.

In the present specification, “number” in “several” represents an integer of 2 to 10, preferably an integer of 2 to 6, more preferably 2 to 4, and further preferably an integer of 2 or 3.

In general, modification of one or several amino acids in a polypeptide will not affect the function of the original polypeptide, and may in some cases enhance the desired function of the original polypeptide. Even thought to be. In fact, compared to the original amino acid sequence, a modified peptide composed of an amino acid sequence in which one or several amino acid residues are modified (ie, substituted, deleted, added and / or inserted) , Known to retain the biological activity of the original peptide (Mark et al., 1984, Proc Natl Acad Sci USA, 81: 5562-5666, Zoller and Smith, 1982, Nucleic Acids Res. 10: 6487- 6500, Dalbadie-McFarland et al., 1982, Proc Natl Acad Sci USA. 79: 6409-6413). Therefore, since the polypeptide (b) can also exhibit immunity-inducing activity, it can be used for the preparation of the immunity-inducing agent of the present invention.

The 20 kinds of amino acids constituting the natural protein include neutral amino acids having low polarity side chains (Gly, Ile, Val, Leu, Ala, Met, Pro), neutral amino acids having hydrophilic side chains (Asn). , Gln, Thr, Ser, Tyr, Cys), acidic amino acids (Asp, Glu), basic amino acids (Arg, Lys, His), and aromatic amino acids (Phe, Tyr, Trp) It is known that the properties of a polypeptide often do not change if substitution is made between these groups. Therefore, when substituting an amino acid residue in the above-mentioned polypeptide (a) of the present invention, it is preferable to substitute between these groups because the possibility of maintaining immunity-inducing activity is increased.

The polypeptide of (b) is 34 to 50, 69 to 148, 178 to 195, 207 to 242, 247 to 280, 296 to 332 in the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 2. 90% or more, preferably 95% or more, more preferably, a polypeptide comprising 7 or more consecutive amino acids in the region of, for example, any of the polypeptides comprising the amino acid sequences shown in SEQ ID NOs: 3 to 45 It may be a polypeptide having amino acid sequence identity of 98% or more, more preferably 99% or more or 99.5% or more, and having immunity-inducing activity.

In this specification, the “identity” of amino acid sequences (or base sequences) means that both amino acid sequences (or bases) match so that the amino acid residues (or bases) of two amino acid sequences (or base sequences) to be compared match as much as possible. Or the number of matched amino acid residues (or the number of matched bases) divided by the total number of amino acid residues (or the total number of bases), expressed as a percentage. In the above alignment, a gap is appropriately inserted in one or both of the two sequences to be compared as necessary. Such alignment of sequences can be performed using a known program such as BLAST, FASTA, CLUSTALＳＴW, and the like. When gaps are inserted, the total number of amino acid residues is the number of residues obtained by counting one gap as one amino acid residue. When the total number of amino acid residues counted in this way is different between the two sequences to be compared, the sequence identity (%) is the total number of amino acid residues in the longer sequence, and the amino acid residues that match. Calculated by dividing the number.

When used in the context of cancer treatment or prevention, the polypeptides of the present invention should be presented on the surface of cells or exosomes, preferably as a complex with each type of HLA. Therefore, it is preferable to select a polypeptide of the present invention that not only has immunity-inducing activity but also has a high binding affinity for each type of HLA. For this purpose, the peptide may be modified by substitution, insertion, deletion and / or addition of amino acid residues to obtain a modified peptide with improved binding affinity. In addition to naturally presented peptides, the regularity of the sequence of peptides presented by binding to each type of HLA is known (J Immunol, 1994, 152: 3913; Immunogenetics, 1995, 41: 178). J Immunol, 1994, 155: 4307), modifications based on such regularity can be introduced into the immunogenic peptides of the present invention. For example, in order to increase HLA-A24 binding affinity, it may be desirable to replace the second amino acid from the N-terminus with leucine or methionine and / or to replace the C-terminal amino acid with valine or leucine. is there. Accordingly, peptides having the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 24-36, wherein the second amino acid from the N-terminus of these peptides is substituted with leucine or methionine, and / or the C-terminus of amino acids is substituted with valine or leucine Peptides that are included are within the scope of the present invention.

Substitution can be introduced not only at the terminal amino acid position but also at a position where TCR recognition of the peptide is possible. Several studies have demonstrated that amino acid substitutions of peptides have equivalent or better immunity-inducing activity than the original, including, for example, CAP1, p53 (264-272), Her -2 / neu (369-377), or gp100 (209-217) (Zaremba et al. 1997, Cancer Res. 57: 4570-4777, TK Hoffmann et al. 2002, J Immunol. 168 ( 3): 1338-47, S.O. Dionne et al. 2003, Cancer Immunol immunother. 52: 199-206, and S.O. Dionne et al. 2004, Cancer Immunology, Immunotherapy, 53: 307-314).

In addition to the above modifications, the polypeptide of the present invention can be linked to other substances as long as the resulting linked polypeptide retains the necessary immunity-inducing activity of the original peptide. Examples of other substances include, but are not limited to, peptides, lipids, sugars and sugar chains, acetyl groups, natural and synthetic polymers, and the like. A peptide can include modifications such as glycosylation, side chain oxidation or phosphorylation provided that the modification does not impair the biological activity of the original peptide. These types of modifications can be made to confer additional functions (eg, targeting and delivery functions) or to stabilize the polypeptide. For example, techniques for introducing D-amino acids, amino acid mimetics or unnatural amino acids to increase the in vivo stability of the polypeptides are known in the art, and this concept can also be applied to the polypeptides of the present invention. . Polypeptide stability can be assayed in several ways. For example, stability can be tested using peptidases and various biological media such as human plasma and serum (eg, Verhoef et al., 1986, Eur J Drug Metapharma, 11: 291-302). reference).

Furthermore, the polypeptide of the present invention may be linked to another peptide via a spacer or a linker. Examples of other peptides include, but are not limited to, epitope peptides derived from other polypeptides. Alternatively, two or more polypeptides of the invention may be linked via a spacer or linker. Peptides linked via a spacer or linker may be the same or different from each other. The type of spacer and linker is not particularly limited, and includes those composed of peptides, more preferably those composed of peptides having one or more cleavage sites that can be cleaved by enzymes such as peptidases, proteases, and proteasomes. It is. Examples of linkers or spacers include, but are not limited to, AAY (PM Daftarian et al., J Trans Med, 2007, 5:26), AAA, NKRK (RPM Sutmuller et al., J Immunol. 2000, 165: 7308-7315), or one to several lysine residues (S. Ota et al., 2002, Can Res. 62: 1471-1476, KS Kawamura et al., 2002) , J Immunol. 168: 5709-5715). The present invention contemplates polypeptides linked to other peptides via spacers or linkers.

When the polypeptides of the present invention contain cysteine residues, these polypeptides tend to form dimers via disulfide bonds between SH groups of cysteine residues. Therefore, a dimer of the polypeptide is also included in the polypeptide of the present invention.

The polypeptide of the present invention can be prepared using a well-known technique. For example, it can be synthesized according to a chemical synthesis method such as the Fmoc method (fluorenylmethyloxycarbonyl method) or the tBoc method (t-butyloxycarbonyl method). Moreover, it can also synthesize | combine by a conventional method using various commercially available peptide synthesizers.

Furthermore, using a known genetic engineering technique, a polynucleotide encoding the above polypeptide is prepared, the polynucleotide is incorporated into an expression vector and introduced into a host cell, and the desired polypeptide in the host cell To produce the desired polypeptide. When the desired polypeptide is obtained from the host cell, it may be purified or isolated so as to be substantially free from other natural host cell proteins and fragments thereof, or any other chemical substances.

The polynucleotide encoding the above polypeptide can be easily prepared by a known genetic engineering technique or a conventional method using a commercially available nucleic acid synthesizer. For example, DNA having the base sequence of SEQ ID NO: 1 is subjected to PCR using a human chromosomal DNA or cDNA library as a template and a pair of primers designed to amplify the base sequence described in SEQ ID NO: 1. Can be prepared. PCR reaction conditions can be set as appropriate. For example, one cycle of a reaction process consisting of 94 ° C. for 30 seconds (denaturation), 55 ° C. for 30 seconds to 1 minute (annealing), and 72 ° C. for 2 minutes (extension) Examples of the conditions include, but are not limited to, conditions of reacting at 72 ° C. for 1 minute after 30 cycles. In addition, based on the information on the nucleotide sequence and amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 1, appropriate probes and primers are prepared, and the desired DNA is isolated by screening a cDNA library such as human using the same. can do. The cDNA library is preferably prepared from cells, organs or tissues expressing the protein of SEQ ID NO: 2. The above-described operations such as preparation of the probe or primer, construction of the cDNA library, screening of the cDNA library, and cloning of the target gene are known to those skilled in the art. For example, Green, MR and Sambrook, J., 2012, Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual Fourth Ed. , Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, Cold Spring Harbor, New York, or Current Protocol Molecular Molecular Biology: www.Cold Spring Harbor Press, Cold Spring Harbor, New York, or Current Protocol Molecular Biology: www. It can be carried out according to the method described in currentprotocols.com and the like. From the DNA thus obtained, DNA encoding the polypeptide (a) can be obtained. In addition, since the codons encoding each amino acid are known, the base sequence of a polynucleotide encoding a specific amino acid sequence can be easily specified. Therefore, since the base sequence of the polynucleotide encoding the polypeptide (b) described above can be easily specified, such a polynucleotide may be synthesized by a conventional method using a commercially available nucleic acid synthesizer. .

The host cell may be any cell as long as it can express the polypeptide. Examples of prokaryotic cells include Escherichia coli, and examples of eukaryotic cells include cultured mammalian cells such as monkey kidney cells COS1 and Chinese hamster ovary cells CHO, budding yeast, fission yeast, silkworm cells, and Xenopus egg cells. However, it is not limited to these.

When a prokaryotic cell is used as a host cell, an expression vector having an origin, a promoter, a ribosome binding site, a DNA cloning site, a terminator and the like that can replicate in the prokaryotic cell is used as the expression vector. Examples of the expression vector for E. coli include pUC, pBluescript II, pET expression system, pGEX expression system and the like. When the DNA encoding the above polypeptide is incorporated into such an expression vector, a prokaryotic host cell is transformed with the vector, and the resulting transformant is cultured, the polypeptide encoded by the DNA is prokaryotic. It can be expressed in a host cell. In this case, the polypeptide can also be expressed as a fusion protein with another protein.

When a eukaryotic cell is used as a host cell, an expression vector for a eukaryotic cell having a promoter, a splicing region, a poly (A) addition site and the like is used as an expression vector. Examples of such expression vectors include pKA1, pCDM8, pSVK3, pMSG, pSVL, pBK-CMV, pBK-RSV, EBV vector, pRS, pcDNA3, pMSG, pYES2, and the like. In the same manner as described above, a DNA encoding the above polypeptide is incorporated into such an expression vector, a eukaryotic host cell is transformed with the vector, and then the resulting transformant is cultured. Can be expressed in eukaryotic host cells. When pIND / V5-His, pFLAG-CMV-2, pEGFP-N1, pEGFP-C1, etc. are used as an expression vector, a fusion protein to which various tags such as His tag, FLAG tag, myc tag HA tag, and GFP are added. As described above, the polypeptide can be expressed.

For introducing the expression vector into the host cell, a known method such as an electroporation method, a calcium phosphate method, a liposome method, or a DEAE dextran method can be used.

In order to isolate and purify the target polypeptide from the host cell, known separation operations can be combined. For example, treatment with denaturing agents and surfactants such as urea, sonication, enzyme digestion, salting out and solvent fractional precipitation, dialysis, centrifugation, ultrafiltration, gel filtration, SDS-PAGE, isoelectric focusing, Examples include, but are not limited to, ion exchange chromatography, hydrophobic chromatography, affinity chromatography, and reverse phase chromatography.

Polypeptides obtained by the above methods include those in the form of fusion proteins with other arbitrary proteins as described above. Examples thereof include glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and a fusion protein with a His tag. Accordingly, polypeptides in the form of such fusion proteins are also included within the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, the polypeptide expressed in the transformed cell may be subjected to various modifications in the cell after being translated. Such post-translationally modified polypeptides are also included in the scope of the present invention as long as they have immunity-inducing activity. Examples of such translational modifications include elimination of N-terminal methionine, N-terminal acetylation, sugar chain addition, limited degradation by intracellular protease, myristoylation, isoprenylation, phosphorylation and the like.

<Immune inducer>
When the polypeptide having immunity-inducing activity of the present invention or an expression vector containing a gene encoding the polypeptide is administered to a cancer-bearing organism, an already produced tumor can be regressed. Moreover, the occurrence of tumor can be prevented by administering the above-described polypeptide having immunity-inducing activity or a gene encoding the polypeptide to a living body before the onset of cancer. Therefore, the polypeptide of the present invention or the gene encoding the polypeptide can be an active ingredient of an immunity-inducing agent.

Here, the terms “tumor” and “cancer” mean a malignant neoplasm and are used interchangeably. In this case, the target cancer is preferably a cancer that expresses SCD1 protein, and among them, malignant lymphoma, breast cancer, liver cancer, prostate cancer, ovarian cancer, kidney cancer, colon cancer, gastric cancer, malignant cancer are preferable. Brain tumors, esophageal cancer and lung cancer.

The target animals are preferably mammals, more preferably mammals including primates, pet animals, livestock, sport animals, etc., more preferably humans, dogs or cats, particularly preferably humans. is there.

The subject cancer-affected individual (a cancer patient when the individual is a human) is preferably a cancer-affected individual that expresses the SCD1 protein in vivo, and specifically, cancer described in WO2011 / 027807 It is preferable that they are cancer-affected individuals screened by the detection method. In particular, screening is performed because the expression level of the antibody against the SCD1 protein contained in the sample obtained from the target living body is larger than the expression level of the antibody contained in the sample obtained from the living body of a healthy individual. It is preferably an individual with cancer. Samples to be screened for target cancer-affected individuals include blood, serum, plasma, ascites, pleural effusion, and other body fluids, tissues, and cells. When screening by measuring the expression level of antibodies against SCD1 protein Serum, plasma, ascites or pleural effusion are preferred.

The administration route of the immunity-inducing agent of the present invention may be oral administration or parenteral administration, but parenteral administration such as intramuscular administration, subcutaneous administration, intravenous administration and intraarterial administration is preferred. When the immunity-inducing agent is used for the purpose of treating cancer, it can be administered to regional lymph nodes in the vicinity of the tumor to be treated in order to enhance the anticancer effect. The dose may be an amount effective for inducing immunity. For example, if it is used for the treatment or prevention of cancer, it may be an amount effective for the treatment or prevention of cancer. The amount effective for the treatment or prevention of cancer is appropriately selected according to the size and symptoms of the tumor, the body weight, volume, etc. of the target animal. When the target animal is a human, the effective amount per day is usually 0. 0001 to 1000 μg, preferably 0.001 to 1000 μg. This can be administered in one or several divided doses. It is preferable to divide it into several times per day and administer it every few days or months. As specifically shown in the Examples described later, the immunity-inducing agent of the present invention can regress an already formed tumor. Therefore, since anticancer activity can be exerted on a small number of cancer cells at the early stage of development, onset and recurrence of cancer can be prevented if used before onset of cancer or after treatment of cancer. That is, the immunity-inducing agent of the present invention is useful for both treatment and prevention of cancer and can be an active ingredient of a cancer treatment or prevention drug.

The immunity-inducing agent of the present invention contains the above-described polypeptide of the present invention as an active ingredient, but it may consist of only a single polypeptide or a combination of a plurality of polypeptides. By combining a plurality of the polypeptides of the present invention, the immunity-inducing activity (induction / activation action of cytotoxicity T cells) possessed by each polypeptide is enhanced, and cancer treatment or prevention can be achieved more effectively. it can.

The immunity-inducing agent of the present invention can also be used in combination with known peptides capable of inducing cytotoxic T cells. By combining the polypeptides of the present invention, immunity induction activity (cytotoxic activity T cell induction / activation action) possessed by each polypeptide is enhanced, and cancer treatment or prevention can be achieved more effectively. . “Combination” in this case includes administration of the immunity-inducing agent of the present invention and a peptide capable of inducing known cytotoxic T cells separately or simultaneously. “Separate administration” as used herein refers to administration of the immunity-inducing agent of the present invention and a known peptide capable of inducing cytotoxic T cells separately with a time lag. The order of administration does not matter. On the other hand, “administered simultaneously” means that the immunity-inducing agent of the present invention and a known peptide capable of inducing cytotoxic T cells are preliminarily mixed and administered, or the immunity-inducing agent of the present invention. And a known peptide capable of inducing cytotoxic T cells is administered in individual form with no time difference.

The immunity-inducing agent of the present invention can be used in combination with other immunity enhancing agents that can enhance the immunological response in vivo. Other immunity enhancing agents may be contained in the immunity-inducing agent of the present invention, or may be administered to a patient in combination with the immunity-inducing agent of the present invention as a separate composition.

Examples of the “other immune enhancing agent” include an adjuvant. Adjuvants provide an antigen reservoir (extracellular or in macrophages), can enhance the immunological response by activating macrophages and stimulating specific lymphocytes, thus enhancing anticancer effects Can do. Therefore, when the immunity-inducing agent of the present invention is used as an active ingredient of a therapeutic or prophylactic agent for cancer, the immunity-inducing agent preferably further contains an adjuvant in addition to the polypeptide of the present invention as an active ingredient. Many types of adjuvants are well known in the art, and any adjuvant can be used. Specific examples of adjuvants include MPL (SmithKline Beecham), Salmonella minnesota Re 595 lipopolysaccharide, and the like obtained after purification and acid hydrolysis; QA-21 saponin; DQS21 described in PCT application WO 96/33739 (SmithKline Beecham); QS-7, QS-17, QS-18 and QS-L1 (So, HS, et al., 1997, Molecules). and cells, 7: 178-186); Freund's incomplete adjuvant; Freund's complete adjuvant; Vitamin E; Montanide; Alum; CpG Rigonucleotides (see, eg, Kreig, AM, et al., 1995, Nature 374: 546-549); poly IC and its derivatives (such as poly ICLC) and biodegradable oils such as squalene and / or tocopherol And various water-in-oil emulsions prepared from Of these, Freund's incomplete adjuvant, montanide, poly IC and derivatives thereof, and CpG oligonucleotides are preferred. The mixing ratio of the adjuvant to the polypeptide is typically about 1:10 to 10: 1, preferably about 1: 5 to 5: 1, more preferably about 1: 1. However, adjuvants are not limited to the above examples, and other adjuvants known in the art can also be used when administering the immunity-inducing agent of the present invention (for example, Goding, Monoclonal Antibodies: Principles and Practices, Second Edition, 1986). Methods for preparing mixtures or emulsions of immunity inducers and adjuvants are well known to those skilled in vaccination.

In addition to the above-described adjuvant, factors that stimulate the immune response of the subject can also be used as the other immune enhancer. For example, various cytokines having the property of stimulating lymphocytes and antigen-presenting cells can be used in combination with the immune inducer of the present invention as an immune enhancer. Many cytokines capable of enhancing such immunological responses are known to those skilled in the art, such as interleukin-12 (IL-12), which has been shown to enhance the protective effects of vaccines, Examples include, but are not limited to, GM-CSF, IL-18, interferon α (IFN-α), interferon β (IFN-β), interferon ω (IFN-ω), interferon γ (IFN-γ), and Flt3 ligand. Not. Such factors can also be used as the above-mentioned immunity enhancing agent, and can be administered to patients in the immunity-inducing agent of the present invention or in combination with the immunity-inducing agent of the present invention as a separate composition.

<Cancer treatment or prevention drug>
The immunity-inducing agent of the present invention can be used as an active ingredient of a therapeutic or prophylactic agent for cancer.

A therapeutic or prophylactic agent for cancer can be formulated by appropriately mixing the immunity-inducing agent of the present invention with additives such as pharmacologically acceptable carriers, diluents and excipients suitable for each administration form. it can.

Preparation methods and usable additives are well known in the field of pharmaceutical preparations, and any method and additive can be used. Specific examples of additives include diluents such as physiological buffers; excipients such as sugar, lactose, corn starch, calcium phosphate, sorbitol, glycine; syrup, gelatin, gum arabic, sorbitol, polyvinyl chloride, tragacanth, etc. Binders such as magnesium stearate, polyethylene glycol, talc, silica and the like, but are not limited thereto. Examples of the dosage form include oral preparations such as tablets, capsules, granules, powders, and syrups, and parenteral preparations such as inhalants, injections, suppositories, and liquids. These preparations can be made by generally known production methods.

<Antigen-presenting cells>
In addition, the polypeptide can be presented to the antigen-presenting cell by contacting the polypeptide and the antigen-presenting cell in vitro. That is, the above-described polypeptide (a) or (b) can be used as a treatment agent for antigen-presenting cells. Here, dendritic cells or B cells possessing MHC class I molecules and class II molecules can be preferably used as antigen-presenting cells. Various MHC class I and class II molecules have been identified and are well known. MHC molecules in humans are called HLA. Examples of HLA class I molecules include HLA-A, HLA-B, and HLA-C. More specifically, HLA-A1, HLA-A0201, HLA-A0204, HLA-A0205, HLA-A0206, HLA-A0207, HLA-A11, HLA-A24, HLA-A31, HLA-A6801, HLA-B7, HLA-B8, HLA-B2705, HLA-B37, HLA-Cw0401, HLA-Cw0602, and the like. Examples of HLA class II molecules include HLA-DR, HLA-DQ, and HLA-DP. More specifically, HLA-DRB1 * 01, HLA-DRB1 * 03, HLA-DRB1 * 04, HLA- DRB1 * 0405, HLA-DRB1 * 07, HLA-DRB1 * 08, HLA-DRB1 * 11, HLA-DRB1 * 13, HLA-DRB1 * 15, HLA-DRB1 * 15, HLA-DQA1, HLA-DQB1, HLA- DPB1 is mentioned.

Dendritic cells or B cells carrying MHC class I or MHC class II molecules can be prepared from blood or the like by known methods. For example, dendritic cells are induced from bone marrow, umbilical cord blood or patient peripheral blood using granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and IL-3 (or IL-4), and tumor-related peptide is introduced into the culture system. Can be added to induce tumor-specific dendritic cells.

By administering an effective amount of this dendritic cell, an immune response desirable for cancer treatment can be induced. As the cells to be used, bone marrow and umbilical cord blood provided from a healthy person, bone marrow and peripheral blood of the patient himself, and the like can be used. The patient's original autologous cells are preferable because they are highly safe and can be expected to avoid serious side effects. Peripheral blood or bone marrow may be a fresh sample, a cryopreserved sample, or a cryopreserved sample. As the peripheral blood, whole blood may be cultured, or only the leukocyte component may be separated and cultured, but the latter is more efficient and preferable. Furthermore, mononuclear cells may be separated among the leukocyte components. Moreover, when originating in bone marrow or umbilical cord blood, the whole cells constituting the bone marrow may be cultured, or mononuclear cells may be separated and cultured from this. Peripheral blood, its white blood cell components, and bone marrow cells include mononuclear cells, hematopoietic stem cells, immature dendritic cells, CD4 positive cells, and the like that are the origin of dendritic cells. As long as the cytokine used is of a property that has been confirmed to be safe and physiologically active, it does not matter whether it is a natural type or a genetically engineered type, and its production method is preferably ensured. Are used in the minimum amount required. The concentration of the cytokine to be added is not particularly limited as long as it is a concentration at which dendritic cells are induced, and is usually preferably about 10 to 1000 ng / mL, more preferably about 20 to 500 ng / mL as the total concentration of cytokines. The culture can be performed using a well-known medium usually used for culturing leukocytes. The culture temperature is not particularly limited as long as leukocyte growth is possible, but is most preferably about 37 ° C. which is the human body temperature. In addition, the gas environment during the culture is not particularly limited as long as leukocytes can grow, but it is preferable to aerate 5% CO ₂ . Further, the culture period is not particularly limited as long as a necessary number of cells are induced, but it is usually performed for 3 days to 2 weeks. As a device used for cell separation and culture, an appropriate device can be used as appropriate, but it is preferable that safety is confirmed for medical use and that the operation is stable and simple. In particular, for cell culture devices, stacked containers, multistage containers, roller bottles, spinner bottles, bag-type incubators, hollow fiber columns, etc. can be used regardless of general containers such as petri dishes, flasks, and bottles. .

The method of bringing the polypeptide into contact with the antigen-presenting cell in vitro can be performed by a well-known method. For example, it can be achieved by culturing antigen-presenting cells in a culture solution containing the polypeptide. The peptide concentration in the medium is not particularly limited, but is usually about 1 to 100 μg / mL, preferably about 5 to 20 μg / mL. The cell density during the culture is not particularly limited, but is usually about 10 ³ to 10 ⁷ cells / mL, preferably about 5 × 10 ⁴ to 5 × 10 ⁶ cells / mL. Cultivation is preferably performed according to a conventional method in an atmosphere of 37 ° C. and 5% CO ₂ . The length of the peptide that can be presented on the surface by antigen-presenting cells is usually about 30 amino acid residues at the maximum. Therefore, although not particularly limited, when the antigen-presenting cell and the polypeptide are contacted in vitro, the polypeptide may be prepared to a length of 30 amino acid residues or less.

By culturing antigen-presenting cells in the presence of the above-described polypeptide, the peptide is taken up by MHC molecules of the antigen-presenting cell and presented on the surface of the antigen-presenting cell. Therefore, an isolated antigen-presenting cell containing a complex of the polypeptide and MHC molecule can be prepared using the polypeptide. Such antigen-presenting cells can present the polypeptide to T cells in vivo or in vitro, and induce and proliferate cytotoxic T cells or helper T cells specific for the polypeptide. it can.

By contacting an antigen-presenting cell containing the above-described polypeptide-MHC molecule complex prepared as described above with a T cell in vitro, a cytotoxic T cell specific for the polypeptide Luper T cells can be induced and expanded. This can be done by co-culturing the antigen-presenting cells and T cells in a liquid medium. For example, it can be carried out by suspending antigen-presenting cells in a liquid medium, placing them in a container such as a well of a microplate, adding T cells thereto, and culturing. The mixing ratio of antigen-presenting cells and T cells during co-culture is not particularly limited, but is usually about 1: 1 to 1: 100, preferably about 1: 5 to 1:20 in terms of the number of cells. The density of antigen-presenting cells suspended in the liquid medium is not particularly limited, but is usually about 1 to 10 million cells / mL, preferably about 10,000 to 1 million cells / mL. The co-culture is preferably performed according to a conventional method in a 37 ° C., 5% CO ₂ atmosphere. The culture time is not particularly limited, but is usually 2 days to 3 weeks, preferably about 4 days to 2 weeks. The co-culture is preferably performed in the presence of one or more interleukins such as IL-2, IL-6, IL-7 and IL-12. In this case, the concentration of IL-2 and IL-7 is usually about 5 to 20 U / mL, the concentration of IL-6 is usually about 500 to 2000 U / mL, and the concentration of IL-12 is usually about 5 to 20 ng / mL. However, it is not limited to these. The above co-culture may be repeated once or several times by adding fresh antigen-presenting cells. For example, the operation of discarding the culture supernatant after co-culture, adding a fresh suspension of antigen-presenting cells, and further co-culturing may be repeated once or several times. The conditions for each co-culture may be the same as described above.

By the above co-culture, cytotoxic T cells and helper T cells specific for the polypeptide are induced and proliferated. Therefore, an isolated T cell that selectively binds the complex of the polypeptide and the MHC molecule can be prepared using the polypeptide.

As described in Examples below, the genes encoding SCD1 protein (SCD1 gene) are malignant lymphoma tissue, malignant lymphoma cell, breast cancer tissue, breast cancer cell, liver cancer tissue, liver cancer cell, prostate cancer tissue, prostate Cancer cell, ovarian cancer tissue, ovarian cancer cell, kidney cancer tissue, kidney cancer cell, colon cancer tissue, colon cancer cell, stomach cancer tissue, stomach cancer cell, malignant brain tumor tissue, malignant brain tumor cell, esophageal cancer tissue, esophageal cancer cell, lung cancer It is expressed specifically in tissues and lung cancer cells. Therefore, in these cancer types, SCD1 protein is considered to exist significantly more than normal cells. When a part of the SCD1 protein present in the cancer cell is presented to the MHC molecule on the surface of the cancer cell and the cytotoxic T cell or helper T cell prepared as described above is administered in vivo, As a landmark, cytotoxic T cells can damage cancer cells or enhance the cytotoxic activity of cytotoxic T cells. In addition, since the antigen-presenting cells presenting the polypeptide can induce and proliferate cytotoxic T cells and helper T cells specific for the polypeptide even in vivo, the antigen-presenting cells can survive. Also by administering to the body, cytotoxic T cells can damage cancer cells, or the cytotoxic activity of cytotoxic T cells can be enhanced. That is, the cytotoxic T cell, helper T cell, and antigen-presenting cell prepared using the polypeptide are also useful as a therapeutic or prophylactic agent for cancer, like the immunity-inducing agent of the present invention.

When administering the above-mentioned isolated antigen-presenting cells or isolated T cells to a living body, in order to avoid in vivo immune responses that attack these cells as foreign bodies, antigen presentation collected from patients undergoing treatment Cells or T cells are preferably prepared using the polypeptide (a) or (b) as described above.

The administration route of a therapeutic or prophylactic agent for cancer comprising antigen presenting cells or isolated T cells as an active ingredient is preferably parenteral administration such as intravenous administration or intraarterial administration. The dose is appropriately selected according to symptoms, administration purposes, etc., but is usually 1 to 10 trillion, preferably 1 million to 1 billion, and this is once every several days or months. Administration is preferred. The preparation may be, for example, one in which cells are suspended in physiological buffer saline, and can be used in combination with other anticancer agents, cytokines, and the like. In addition, one or two or more additives well known in the pharmaceutical field can be added.

<Gene Vaccine>
In addition, immune expression, that is, induction of antibody production or cytotoxic T cells in the living body can also be achieved by expressing a polynucleotide encoding the polypeptide of (a) or (b) in the body of the subject animal. The same effect as that obtained by administering the polypeptide can be obtained. That is, the immunity-inducing agent of the present invention comprises a polynucleotide encoding the above-described polypeptide (a) or (b), and contains a recombinant vector capable of expressing the polypeptide in vivo as an active ingredient. There may be. As shown in the Examples below, a recombinant vector capable of expressing such an antigen polypeptide is also called a “gene vaccine”.

The vector used for producing the gene vaccine is not particularly limited as long as it can be expressed in the target animal cell (preferably in the mammalian cell), and may be a plasmid vector or a virus vector, and is known in the field of gene vaccines. Any of these vectors may be used. In addition, as described above, a polynucleotide such as DNA or RNA encoding the polypeptide can be easily prepared by a conventional method. In addition, the polynucleotide can be incorporated into a vector by a method well known to those skilled in the art.

The administration route of the gene vaccine is preferably a parenteral administration route such as intramuscular administration, subcutaneous administration, intravenous administration or intraarterial administration, and the dosage can be appropriately selected according to the type of antigen and the like. Usually, the weight of the gene vaccine per kg of body weight is about 0.1 μg to 100 mg, preferably about 1 μg to 10 mg.

As a method using a viral vector, for example, a polynucleotide encoding the above polypeptide in RNA virus or DNA virus such as retrovirus, adenovirus, adeno-associated virus, herpes virus, vaccinia virus, poxvirus, poliovirus, Sindbis virus, etc. And a method for infecting a target animal with this. Of these, methods using retroviruses, adenoviruses, adeno-associated viruses, vaccinia viruses and the like are particularly preferred.

Examples of other methods include a method in which an expression plasmid is directly administered into muscle (DNA vaccine method), a liposome method, a lipofectin method, a microinjection method, a calcium phosphate method, an electroporation method, and the like. The method is preferred.

In order to cause the gene encoding the above-mentioned polypeptide used in the present invention to actually act as a medicine, an in vivo method in which the gene is directly introduced into the body, and certain cells are collected from the target animal and the gene is transferred to the cells outside the body. There is an ex vivo method of introducing and returning the cells to the body, but an in vivo method is more preferred.

In the case of administration by an in vivo method, it can be administered by an appropriate administration route according to the disease, symptom or the like for the purpose of treatment. For example, it can be administered intravenously, artery, subcutaneous, intramuscularly. When administered by an in vivo method, for example, it can be in the form of a preparation such as a liquid, but is generally an injection containing the DNA encoding the peptide of the present invention, which is an active ingredient, etc. Conventional carriers may be added. In addition, the liposome or membrane-fused liposome containing the DNA (Sendai virus (HVJ) -liposome or the like) can be in the form of a liposome preparation such as a suspension, a freezing agent, or a centrifugal concentrated freezing agent.

In the present invention, the term “base sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 1” includes the base sequence actually shown in SEQ ID NO: 1 as well as a complementary sequence thereto. Therefore, when saying “polynucleotide having the base sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 1”, the single-stranded polynucleotide having the base sequence actually shown in SEQ ID NO: 1, its complementary base sequence Single-stranded polynucleotides and double-stranded polynucleotides comprising these are included. When preparing a polynucleotide encoding the polypeptide used in the present invention, any base sequence is appropriately selected, but those skilled in the art can easily select it.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described more specifically based on examples.

<Example 1: Expression analysis in each tissue>
(1) SCD1 gene expression analysis in each cancer cell line A gene sequence (SEQ ID NO: 1) encoding the amino acid sequence of human SCD1 protein was obtained from Gene Bank. The expression of the obtained gene in various human cell lines was examined by RT-PCR (Reverse Transcription-PCR) method. The reverse transcription reaction was performed as follows. Specifically, total RNA was extracted from 50 to 100 mg of each tissue and 5 to 10 × 10 ⁶ cells of each cell line using TRIZOL reagent (manufactured by Life Technologies) according to the attached protocol. Using this total RNA, cDNA was synthesized according to the attached protocol by Superscript First-Strand Synthesis System for RT-PCR (manufactured by Life Technologies). For the cDNA of normal human tissues (brain, hippocampus, testis, colon, placenta), Genepool cDNA (Life Technologies), QUICK-Clone cDNA (Clontech) and Large-Insert cDNA Library (Clontech) are used. It was. The PCR reaction was performed as follows using the obtained gene-specific primer (the base sequence of the primer is described in SEQ ID NOs: 49 and 50). That is, 0.25 μL of the sample prepared by the reverse transcription reaction, 2 μM each of the above primers, 0.2 mM of each dNTP, 0.65 U of ExTaq polymerase (manufactured by Takara Shuzo Co., Ltd.), and each reagent and attached buffer were added. The cycle was 94 ° C-30 seconds, 55 ° C-30 seconds, and 72 ° C-1 minutes 30 times using a Thermal Cycler (manufactured by BIO RAD). For comparison, a primer specific for the GAPDH gene, which is a housekeeping gene (the base sequence of the human GAPDH primer is described in SEQ ID NOs: 51 and 52) was also used.

As a result, as shown in FIG. 1, human SCD1 gene is found in most cancer cell lines, that is, malignant lymphoma, breast cancer, liver cancer, prostate cancer, ovarian cancer, kidney cancer, colon cancer, gastric cancer, malignant brain tumor, esophageal cancer. And expression was detected in lung cancer.

(2) Expression of SCD1 protein in human cancer tissue (immunohistochemical staining)
Immunohistochemical staining was performed using 72 types of cancer tissue specimens of various types of cancer tissue arrays (manufactured by BIOMAX) embedded in paraffin. The human cancer tissue array was treated at 60 ° C. for 3 hours, then placed in a staining bottle filled with xylene, and the operation of replacing xylene every 5 minutes was performed three times. Next, the same operation was performed with ethanol and PBS-T instead of xylene. A human cancer tissue array was placed in a staining bottle filled with 10 mM citrate buffer (pH 6.0) containing 0.05% Tween 20, treated at 125 ° C. for 5 minutes, and allowed to stand at room temperature for 40 minutes or more. Excess water around the section was wiped off with Kimwipe, surrounded by DAKOPEN, and a suitable amount of Peroxidase Block (manufactured by DAKO) was dropped. After allowing to stand at room temperature for 5 minutes, it was placed in a staining bottle filled with PBS-T and replaced with PBS-T every 5 minutes three times. As a blocking solution, a PBS-T solution containing 10% FBS was placed and allowed to stand in a moist chamber at room temperature for 1 hour. Next, a commercially available rabbit polyclonal antibody (Sigma) that reacts with SCD1 protein was placed at 10 μg / mL in a PBS-T solution containing 5% FBS, and allowed to stand overnight at 4 ° C. in a moist chamber. . After washing with PBS-T three times for 10 minutes, an appropriate amount of Peroxidase Labeled Polymer Conjugated (manufactured by DAKO) was added dropwise and allowed to stand at room temperature for 30 minutes in a moist chamber. After washing with PBS-T three times for 10 minutes, add DAB coloring solution (manufactured by DAKO), let stand at room temperature for about 10 minutes, discard the coloring solution, and wash with PBS-T three times for 10 minutes. After performing, it rinsed with distilled water, and after putting into each ethanol solution of 70%, 80%, 90%, 95%, 100% in order for 1 minute, it left still in xylene overnight. The slide glass was taken out and sealed with Glycergel Mounting Medium (manufactured by DAKO) and then observed.

As a result, strong expression of SCD1 protein was observed in most of the verified cancers, malignant lymphoma, breast cancer, liver cancer, prostate cancer, ovarian cancer, kidney cancer, colon cancer, stomach cancer, malignant brain tumor, esophageal cancer and lung cancer.

<Example 2: Induction of peptide epitope-reactive CD8-positive T cells>
(1) Prediction of peptide motif binding to HLA-A0201 and HLA-A24 Information on the amino acid sequence of the human SCD1 protein represented by SEQ ID NO: 2 was obtained from GenBank. Human SCD1 protein using a computer prediction program using the known BIMAS software (available at http://bimas.dcrt.nih.gov/molbio/hla_bind/) for prediction of HLA-A0201 and HLA-A24 binding motifs The 21 amino acid sequences consisting of the amino acid sequences represented by SEQ ID NOs: 3 to 23 that are predicted to be capable of binding to the HLA-A0201 molecule, and the SEQ ID NOs that are predicted to be capable of binding to the HLA-A24 molecule Thirteen types of polypeptides consisting of amino acid sequences represented by 24-36 were selected. All selected polypeptides were commissioned to a custom peptide synthesis service of Greiner Japan. The synthesized polypeptide is guaranteed quality by HPLC analysis and mass spectrum analysis.

(2) Induction of peptide epitope-reactive CD8-positive T cells Peripheral blood was isolated from a healthy person positive for HLA-A0201, and overlaid on Lymphocyte separation medium (OrganonpTeknika, Durham, NC) at 1,500 rpm at room temperature for 20 minutes. Centrifuged. Fractions containing PBMC were collected and washed 3 times (or more) in cold phosphate buffer to obtain PBMC. The obtained PBMC was suspended in 20 mL of AIM-V medium (Life Technologies) and allowed to attach in a culture flask (Falcon) for 2 hours under conditions of 37 ° C. and 5% CO ₂ . Non-adherent cells were used for T cell preparation, and adherent cells were used to prepare dendritic cells.

Adherent cells were cultured in AIM-V medium in the presence of IL-4 (1000 U / mL) and GM-CSF (1000 U / mL). After 6 days, IL-4 (1000 U / mL), GM-CSF (1000 U / mL), IL-6 (1000 U / mL, manufactured by Genzyme), IL-1β (10 ng / mL, manufactured by Genzyme) and TNF-α After replacing with AIM-V medium supplemented with (10 ng / mL, manufactured by Genzyme) and culturing for another 2 days, the obtained non-adherent cell population was used as dendritic cells.

The prepared dendritic cells are suspended in AIM-V medium at a cell density of 1 × 10 ⁶ cells / mL, and 10 μg / mL of a peptide expected to be able to bind to the HLA-A0201 molecule selected in (1) above. And cultured for 4 hours under conditions of 37 ° C. and 5% CO ₂ using a 96-well plate. After culture, X-ray irradiation (3000 rad), washed with AIM-V medium, 10% human AB serum (Nabi), IL-6 (1000 U / mL) and IL-12 (10 ng / mL, Genzyme) And 1 × 10 ⁵ cells per well of a 24-well plate. Further, the prepared T cell population was added at 1 × 10 ⁶ cells per well, and cultured under conditions of 37 ° C. and 5% CO ₂ . Seven days later, each culture supernatant was discarded, and dendritic cells treated with each peptide obtained in the same manner as described above and then X-irradiated were treated with 10% human AB serum (manufactured by Nabi), IL-7 (10 U / mL, Suspended in AIM-V medium (Genzyme) and IL-2 (10 U / mL, Genzyme) (cell density: 1 × 10 ⁵ cells / mL), and 1 × each per 24-well plate 10 ⁵ cells were added and further cultured. The same operation was repeated 4 times every 7 days, and then stimulated T cells were collected, and induction of CD8 positive T cells was confirmed by flow cytometry.

As a negative control, a peptide (SEQ ID NO: 46) which is a sequence outside the scope of the present invention and an SCD1 protein consisting of the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 2 prepared based on Example 3 of WO2012 / 157736 are comparative examples. The same treatment as above was performed.

In addition, peptides that are expected to be able to bind to the HLA-A24 molecule are also synthesized in the same manner as described above using dendritic cells and T cell populations derived from peripheral blood of HLA-A24 positive healthy individuals. Attempts were made to induce reactive CD8 positive T cells. As a negative control, a peptide (SEQ ID NO: 47), which is a sequence outside the scope of the present invention, was subjected to the same treatment using the SCD1 protein consisting of the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 2 as a comparative example.

<Example 3: Determination of cytotoxic T cell antigen epitope>
(1) IFN-γ production ability In order to examine the specificity for epitope peptides and proteins for each T cell induced in Example 2 (2), various polypeptides were applied to dendritic cells expressing HLA-A0201 molecules. Pulsed. The dendritic cells were prepared by adding each polypeptide in AIM-V medium at a concentration of 10 μg / mL and culturing at 37 ° C. under 5% CO ₂ for 4 hours. In addition, each polypeptide is represented by each polypeptide represented by the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOs: 3 to 23, which is expected to be capable of binding to the HLA-A0201 molecule, a negative control polypeptide (SEQ ID NO: 46), and SEQ ID NO: 2. SCD1 protein consisting of the amino acid sequence described above was used. 5 × 10 ³ T cells were added to 5 × 10 ⁴ dendritic cells after the pulse, and cultured in a 96-well plate for 24 hours in AIM-V medium containing 10% human AB serum. The supernatant after culturing was taken, and the amount of IFN-γ produced was measured by ELISA.

As a result, dendritic cells pulsed with the polypeptide represented by the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOs: 3 to 23 were compared with dendritic cells not pulsed with the polypeptide and

lanes

1 and 2 using the negative control polypeptide. In lanes 4 to 24 used, clearly high IFN-γ production was confirmed (FIG. 2). From these results, it was found that the peptides of SEQ ID NOs: 3 to 23 are T cell epitope peptides having the ability to specifically stimulate proliferation of HLA-A0201-positive CD8-positive T cells and induce IFN-γ production. Furthermore, the amount of IFN-γ produced using these peptides is significantly higher than IFN-γ produced from T cells stimulated with the full-length SCD1 protein consisting of the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 2 (lane 3). It was also found out. That is, the polypeptides of SEQ ID NOs: 3 to 23 have significantly high immunity induction activity. Further, although the amino acid sequence of the full-length SCD1 protein represented by SEQ ID NO: 2 contains SEQ ID NOs: 3 to 23 having the above-described immunity-inducing activity, T stimulated with the full-length SCD1 protein of SEQ ID NO: 2 The amount of IFN-γ produced from the cells was low. This is probably because the amino acid sequence of the full-length SCD1 protein did not show sufficient immunity-inducing activity because it contains many sequences that suppress immunity-inducing activity.

Further, in the same manner as described above, the peptide epitope-reactive CD8-positive T cells induced using the polypeptide represented by the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOs: 24-36 in Example 3 (2) have specificity for the peptide epitope. In order to examine, pulsed with SEQ ID NO: 24-36 polypeptide (lanes 4-16), negative control polypeptide represented by the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 47, full-length SCD1 protein represented by the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2, The amount of IFN-γ produced by T cells against dendritic cells expressing HLA-A24 molecules was measured by ELISA according to the above method.

As a result, compared to lane 1 of dendritic cells not pulsed with polypeptide and lane 2 using negative control polypeptide, lanes 4 to 4 using dendritic cells pulsed with the polypeptides of SEQ ID NOs: 24-36 were used. In FIG. 16, significant IFN-γ production was confirmed in the culture supernatant (FIG. 3).

From these results, it was found that the polypeptides of SEQ ID NOs: 24-36 are T cell epitope peptides that have the ability to specifically stimulate HLA-A24 positive CD8 positive T cells to proliferate and induce IFN-γ production. . Furthermore, it was also found that the amount of IFN-γ produced using these polypeptides was significantly higher than IFN-γ produced from T cells stimulated with the full-length SCD1 protein represented by the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2. For the same reason as described above, it is considered that the full-length SCD1 protein did not show sufficient immunity-inducing activity.

(2) Evaluation of cytotoxicity Next, the HLA-A0201 molecule on tumor cells in which the polypeptide represented by the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOS: 3 to 23 used in the present invention is HLA-A0201 positive and expresses human SCD1 protein is used. Whether CD8 positive T cells stimulated with a polypeptide of the present invention can be damaged by HLA-A0201 positive tumor cells expressing human SCD1 protein, or SCD1 protein It was investigated whether tumor cells were significantly damaged compared with CD8 positive T cells stimulated with.

Human glioma (malignant brain tumor) cell line U251 cell, human leukemia cell line THP1 liver cancer cell line SK-Hep-1, breast cancer cell line MCF7, ovarian cancer cell line OVCAR3, renal cancer cell line A498, colorectal cancer cell lines HCT116, stomach cancer cell lines AGS, and lung cancer cell line NCI-H522 were collected in a centrifuge tube for each 10 ⁶ 50mL volumes of cell lines (JCRB, RIKEN and purchased from ATCC), chromium 100μCi 51 was added and incubated at 37 ° C. for 2 hours. Thereafter, the plate was washed 3 times with RPMI medium (Kibco) containing 10% fetal bovine serum (hereinafter referred to as FBS, manufactured by Kibco), and 10 ³ pieces were added per well of a 96-well V-bottom plate. Table polypeptide, negative control polypeptide (SEQ ID NO: 46) and amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 2 represented by the amino acid sequence of the suspended 5 × 10 ⁴ pieces of SEQ ID NO: 3 to 23 in RPMI medium containing of FBS HLA-A0201-positive CD8-positive T cells induced by stimulation with the full-length SCD1 protein were added and cultured at 37 ° C. under 5% CO ₂ for 4 hours. After culture, the cytotoxic activity of CD8 positive T cells induced by stimulation with each polypeptide and protein was calculated by measuring the amount of chromium 51 in the culture supernatant released from the damaged tumor cells. .

As a result, it was found that HLA-A0201-positive CD8-positive T cells induced by stimulation with the polypeptide represented by the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 3 to 23 have remarkable cytotoxic activity against all the cells. As a representative example, FIGS. 4A and 4B show the results of cytotoxic activity against U251 cells and SK-Hep-1 cells, respectively. Compared with CD8 positive T cells stimulated with the full-length SCD1 protein (lane 3) in CD8 positive T cells stimulated with the polypeptide represented by the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOs: 3 to 23 (lanes 4 to 24, respectively), It shows significantly high cytotoxic activity against U251 cells and SK-Hep-1 cells. On the other hand, CD8 positive T cells induced with the negative control polypeptide (lane 2) were similar to Mock (lane 1) and did not show cytotoxic activity. This result shows that the polypeptides of SEQ ID NOs: 3 to 23 used in the present invention are presented on HLA-A0201 molecules on tumor cells that are positive for HLA-A0201 and express human SCD1 polypeptide. The polypeptides of the invention suggest the ability to induce CD8 positive cytotoxic T cells that can damage such tumor cells. Further, despite the fact that SEQ ID NOs: 3 to 23 are included in the amino acid sequence of the full-length SCD1 protein, it is significantly more than the cytotoxic activity of CD8 positive T cells stimulated with the polypeptide of SEQ ID NOs: 3 to 23 It was weak (lanes 3, 4-24). This is probably because T-cells having strong cytotoxic activity could not be induced because the amino acid sequence of the SCD1 protein contains many sequences that suppress immunity-inducing activity.

Similarly, the polypeptides of SEQ ID NOs: 24-36 are presented on HLA-A24 molecules on tumor cells that are HLA-A24 positive and express human SCD1 protein, and are stimulated with the polypeptides of the present invention. CD8-positive T cells can damage HLA-A24-positive tumor cells expressing human SCD1 protein, or significantly damage tumor cells compared to CD8-positive T cells stimulated with SCD1 protein We examined what to do.

HLA-A24 positive and expressing human SCD1 protein, human glioma cell line KNS-42, liver cancer cell line SK-Hep1, kidney cancer cell line Caki1, colon cancer cell line SW480, gastric cancer cell line MKN45, prostate cancer cell line PC3 A breast cancer cell line ZR75-1 (purchased from JCRB, RIKEN and ATCC) and incorporating chromium 51, a polypeptide represented by the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOs: 24-36, a negative control polypeptide (SEQ ID NO: 47), And when HLA-A24-positive CD8-positive T cells induced by stimulation with full-length SCD1 protein were cultured, the amount of chromium 51 in the culture supernatant released from the damaged cells was measured.

As a result, HLA-A24-positive CD8-positive T cells stimulated with the polypeptide represented by the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 24-36 were significantly more than would normally be expected for all cancer cells used. It was found to have a cytotoxic activity. As a representative example, FIGS. 5A and 5B show the results of cytotoxic activity against SW480 cells and ZR75-1 cells, respectively. The CD8 positive T cells stimulated with the polypeptide represented by the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NOs: 24-36 (lanes 4 to 16 respectively) were compared with the CD8 positive T cells stimulated with the full-length SCD1 protein (lane 3). , SW480 cells, and ZR75-1 cells exhibit significantly higher cytotoxic activity. On the other hand, CD8 positive T cells induced with the negative control polypeptide were similar to Mock (lane 1) and did not show cytotoxic activity (lane 2). Accordingly, SEQ ID NOs: 24-36 are presented on HLA-A24 molecules on cells that are positive for HLA-A24 and express human SCD1 protein, and this result indicates that the polypeptides of the present invention It suggests the ability to induce CD8 positive cytotoxic T cells that can damage cells.

On the other hand, when the above-mentioned cancer cells were exposed to the polypeptide represented by the amino acid sequence of SEQ ID NO: 3 to 36 and the full-length SCD1 protein consisting of the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 2, the cancer cell was completely killed. There wasn't. From this, it was also confirmed that these polypeptides do not have an effect of directly killing cancer cells.

As described above, the cytotoxic activity is obtained by mixing 5 × 10 ⁴ CD8 positive T cells stimulated with each polypeptide used in the present invention and 10 ³ tumor cells incorporating chromium 51. 4 hours after culturing, the amount of chromium 51 released into the culture medium after the culture was measured, and the cytotoxic activity against each tumor cell (referred to as target cell) of CD8 positive T cells calculated by the following calculation formula * It is.

* Formula: Cytotoxic activity (%) = chrome 51 release from target cells when CD8 positive T cells are added ÷ chrome 51 release from target cells added with 1N hydrochloric acid × 100.

<Example 4: Induction of SCD1 protein-derived peptide epitope-reactive CD4-positive T cells>
For prediction of CD4-positive T cell antigen epitopes, the amino acid sequence of human SCD1 protein was analyzed using the computer prediction program of SYFPEITHI algorithm (Ramensee), and SEQ ID NOs: 37- Nine types of peptides shown in Fig. 45 were selected, and all the selected peptides were requested for synthesis by a custom peptide synthesis service of Greiner Japan.

Peripheral blood was isolated from a healthy person positive for HLA-DRB1 * 04, layered on Lymphocyte separation medium (manufactured by OrganonpTeknik), and centrifuged at 1,500 rpm at room temperature for 20 minutes. Fractions containing PBMC were collected and washed three times (or more) in cold phosphate buffer to obtain PBMC. The obtained PBMC was suspended in 20 mL of AIM-V medium (manufactured by Life Technologies) and allowed to adhere for 2 hours under conditions of 37 ° C. and 5% CO ₂ in a culture flask (manufactured by Falcon). Non-adherent cells were used for T cell preparation, and adherent cells were used to prepare dendritic cells.

Meanwhile, adherent cells were cultured in the presence of IL-4 (1000 U / mL) and GM-CSF (1000 U / mL) in AIM-V medium. After 6 days, IL-4 (1000 U / mL), GM-CSF (1000 U / mL), IL-6 (1000 U / mL, manufactured by Genzyme), IL-1β (10 ng / mL, manufactured by Genzyme) and TNF-α The non-adherent cell population obtained after replacing with AIM-V medium supplemented with (10 ng / mL, Genzyme) and further culturing for 2 days was used as dendritic cells.

The prepared dendritic cells were suspended in AIM-V medium at a cell density of 1 × 10 ⁶ cells / mL, and each polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 37 to 45, negative control polypeptide (SEQ ID NO: 48) and SEQ ID NO: 2 were used. SCD1 protein consisting of the amino acid sequence represented was added at a concentration of 10 mg / mL, and cultured for 4 hours under conditions of 37 ° C. and 5% CO ₂ using a 96-well plate. After culture, X-ray irradiation (3000 rad), washed with AIM-V medium, 10% human AB serum (Nabi), IL-6 (1000 U / mL) and IL-12 (10 ng / mL, Genzyme) And 1 × 10 ⁵ cells per well of a 24-well plate. Further, the prepared T cell population was added at 1 × 10 ⁶ cells per well, and cultured under conditions of 37 ° C. and 5% CO ₂ . After 7 days, the respective culture supernatants were discarded, and dendritic cells treated with each peptide and SCD1 protein obtained in the same manner as above and then irradiated with X-rays were treated with 10% human AB serum (manufactured by Nabi) and IL-2 (10 U). / ML, produced by Genzyme), suspended in AIM-V medium, added 1 × 10 ⁵ cells per well of a 24-well plate, and further cultured. The same operation was repeated 4 times every 7 days, and then the stimulated T cells were collected, and the induction of CD4-positive T cells was confirmed by flow cytometry. As a result, it was confirmed that the T cells in each induced hole proliferated.

<Example 5: Determination of SCD1 protein-derived helper T cell antigen epitope that stimulates HLA-DRB1 * 04-positive CD4-positive T cells>
In order to examine the specificity of CD4 positive T cells induced in Example 4 for each peptide protein, PBMCs expressing HLA-DRB1 * 04 molecules were pulsed with various polypeptides. The PBMC was prepared by adding each polypeptide in AIM-V medium at a concentration of 10 μg / mL and culturing at 37 ° C. under 5% CO ₂ for 4 hours. For each polypeptide, the full-length SCD1 protein consisting of each polypeptide represented by the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 37 to 45, a negative control polypeptide (SEQ ID NO: 48), and the amino acid sequence represented by SEQ ID NO: 2 is used. It was. Against PBMC5 × 10 ⁴ cells after the pulse, the addition of 5 × 10 ⁴ cells of the CD4-positive T cells were cultured for 24 hours in AIM-V medium containing 10% human AB serum at a 96-well plate. The supernatant after culturing was taken, and the amount of IFN-γ produced was measured by ELISA.

As a result, IFN-γ of 1000 pg / mL or more was produced in the culture supernatant of the wells using PBMC pulsed with the peptides of SEQ ID NOs: 37 to 45, respectively. On the other hand, almost no IFN-γ production was observed in the culture supernatant of the wells using only the negative control polypeptide and dendritic cells not pulsed with the polypeptide (Mock). Accordingly, the various polypeptides represented by the amino acid sequences of SEQ ID NOs: 37 to 45 have the ability to specifically stimulate HLA-DRB1 * 04-positive CD4-positive T cells to proliferate and induce IFN-γ production. It turned out to be. Although the amino acid sequence of the full-length SCD1 protein includes SEQ ID NOs: 37 to 45 having the above-described immunity-inducing activity, IFN in the culture supernatant of the hole using the PBMC vesicle pulsed with the full-length SCD1 protein -Γ production was very low. This is probably because the amino acid sequence of the SCD1 protein did not show sufficient immunity induction activity because many sequences that suppress immunity induction activity were included.

Next, an epitope in which the polypeptide of SEQ ID NO: 37-45 having the ability to stimulate proliferation of HLA-DRB1 * 04 positive T cells is naturally processed from SCD1 protein in antigen-presenting cells and presented on HLA-DR We examined whether or not. A lysate of HEK293 cells (purchased from ATCC) in which SCD1 protein was transiently expressed was added to immature dendritic cells, digested, and the dendritic cells were matured, then the polypeptides of SEQ ID NOs: 37 to 45 It was examined whether T cells stimulated with negative control polypeptide and SCD1 protein were stimulated by the dendritic cells. Peripheral blood was separated from a healthy person positive for HLA-DRB1 * 04, layered on Lymphocyte separation medium, and centrifuged at 1,500 rpm at room temperature for 20 minutes. The phase containing PBMC was harvested and washed three times (or more) in cold phosphate buffer to obtain PBMC. The obtained PBMC was suspended in 20 mL of AIM-V medium, allowed to adhere in a culture flask (Falcon) at 37 ° C. under 5% CO ₂ for 2 hours, and the adherent cells were treated with IL-4 ( 1000 U / mL) and GM-CSF (1000 U / mL) were cultured for 6 days to prepare immature dendritic cells. The lysate was added to 5 × 10 ⁵ immature dendritic cells, and IL-4 (1000 U / mL), GM-CSF (1000 U / mL), IL-6 (1000 U / mL), IL-1β (10 ng) / ML) and TNF-α (10 ng / mL) in AIM-V medium for 2 days. The cultured dendritic cells were irradiated with X-rays (3000 rad), washed with AIM-V medium, suspended in AIM-V medium containing 10% human AB serum, and 3.3 times per well of 96-well plate. × 10 ⁴ pieces were added. To these, 5 × 10 ⁴ polypeptide negative control polypeptides of SEQ ID NOs: 37 to 45 and T cells stimulated with SCD1 protein were added and cultured at 37 ° C. under 5% CO ₂ for 24 hours. The supernatant after culturing was taken, and the amount of IFN-γ produced was measured by ELISA.

As a result, as shown in FIG. 6, T cells in lanes 4 to 12 stimulated with the polypeptides of SEQ ID NOs: 37 to 45 can produce IFN-γ upon stimulation of dendritic cells to which SCD1 protein is added. all right. On the other hand, in Lane 2 stimulated with the negative control polypeptide and Lane 1 not stimulated with the polypeptide, almost no IFN-γ production was observed. Thus, it was revealed that the polypeptides of SEQ ID NOs: 37 to 45 are epitopes on which SCD1 protein is naturally processed in antigen-presenting cells and presented on HLA-DR. In this experiment as well, in Lane 3 where the full-length SCD1 protein was pulsed, the amount of IFN-γ produced was extremely small. Since the amino acid sequence of the full-length SCD1 protein contains many sequences that suppress immunity-inducing activity, it is considered that sufficient immunity-inducing activity was not exhibited.

The immunity-inducing agent containing a polypeptide that exhibits antitumor activity against various cancers of the present invention is useful for the treatment or prevention of cancer or the detection of cancer.

All publications, patents and patent applications cited in this specification are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Claims

At least one polypeptide selected from the group of polypeptides described in the following (a) or (b) and having immunity-inducing activity;
(a) Seven consecutive in the region of positions 34-50, 69-148, 178-195, 207-242, 247-280, 296-332 in the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 2 Polypeptide consisting of the above amino acids
(b) a polypeptide in which one to several amino acids are deleted, substituted, inserted or added in the amino acid sequence of any one of the polypeptides described in (a) above, or encoding any one of the above polypeptides A immunity-inducing agent comprising, as an active ingredient, a recombinant vector comprising at least one polynucleotide to be expressed and capable of expressing the polypeptide in vivo.
The immunity-inducing agent according to claim 1, wherein the polypeptide having immunity-inducing activity binds to MHC class I molecules.
The immunity-inducing agent according to claim 2, wherein the polypeptide having immunity-inducing activity is any one polypeptide selected from the group of polypeptides described in (c) to (e) below.
(c) a polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NOs: 3 to 36
(d) a polypeptide in which one to several amino acids have been deleted, substituted, inserted or added in the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide of (c)
(e) a polypeptide comprising the polypeptide according to (c) or (d) as a partial sequence
The immunity-inducing agent according to claim 1, wherein the polypeptide having immunity-inducing activity binds to an MHC class II molecule.
The immunity-inducing agent according to claim 4, wherein the polypeptide having immunity-inducing activity is any one polypeptide selected from the group of polypeptides described in (f) to (h) below.
(f) a polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NOs: 37 to 45
(g) a polypeptide in which one to several amino acids have been deleted, substituted, inserted or added in the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide of (f)
(h) a polypeptide comprising the polypeptide according to (f) or (g) as a partial sequence
The immunity-inducing agent according to any one of claims 1 to 5, which is used as an active ingredient of a therapeutic or prophylactic agent for cancer.
The immunity-inducing agent according to claim 6, wherein the cancer is a cancer that expresses SCD1 protein.
The immunity-inducing agent according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the cancer is malignant lymphoma, breast cancer, liver cancer, prostate cancer, ovarian cancer, kidney cancer, colon cancer, stomach cancer, malignant brain tumor, esophageal cancer or lung cancer.
The immunity-inducing agent according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising an immunity enhancing agent.
An isolated antigen-presenting cell comprising a complex of the polypeptide having immunity-inducing activity according to claim 1, 3 or 5 and an MHC molecule.
An isolated T cell that selectively binds a complex of the polypeptide having immunity-inducing activity according to claim 1, 3 or 5 and an MHC molecule.
Any one polypeptide selected from the group of polypeptides described in the following (a) or (b) and having immunity-inducing activity.
(a) Seven consecutive in the region of positions 34-50, 69-148, 178-195, 207-242, 247-280, 296-332 in the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 2 A polypeptide having immunity-inducing activity comprising the above amino acids,
(b) A polypeptide in which one to several amino acids have been deleted, substituted, inserted or added in the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide described in (a).
The following (i) to (iv):
(I) At least one polypeptide selected from the group of polypeptides described in the following (a) or (b) and having immunity-inducing activity:
(a) Seven consecutive in the region of positions 34-50, 69-148, 178-195, 207-242, 247-280, 296-332 in the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 2 A polypeptide comprising the above amino acids,
(b) a polypeptide in which one to several amino acids are deleted, substituted, inserted or added in the amino acid sequence of any one of the polypeptides described in (a) above;
(Ii) a recombinant vector comprising at least one polynucleotide encoding any one of the polypeptides, and capable of expressing the polypeptide in vivo;
(Iii) an isolated antigen-presenting cell comprising a complex of any one of the polypeptides and an MHC molecule; and (iv) an isolated T cell specific for any one of the polypeptides,
A therapeutic or prophylactic agent for cancer comprising one or more selected from the group consisting of as active ingredients.
The therapeutic or prophylactic agent for cancer according to claim 13, wherein the polypeptide having immunity-inducing activity is at least one polypeptide selected from the group of polypeptides described in (c) to (h) below:
(c) a polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NOs: 3-36;
(d) a polypeptide in which one to several amino acids are deleted, substituted, inserted or added in the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide according to (c);
(e) a polypeptide comprising the polypeptide according to (c) or (d) as a partial sequence;
(f) a polypeptide consisting of the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NOs: 37 to 45;
(g) a polypeptide in which one to several amino acids are deleted, substituted, inserted or added in the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide described in (f);
(h) A polypeptide comprising the polypeptide according to (f) or (g) as a partial sequence.
The cancer therapeutic or prophylactic agent according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the cancer is a cancer that expresses SCD1 protein.
The following (i) to (iv):
(I) At least one polypeptide selected from the group of polypeptides described in the following (a) or (b) and having immunity-inducing activity:
(a) Seven consecutive in the region of positions 34-50, 69-148, 178-195, 207-242, 247-280, 296-332 in the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NO: 2 A polypeptide comprising the above amino acids,
(b) a polypeptide in which one to several amino acids are deleted, substituted, inserted or added in the amino acid sequence of any one of the polypeptides described in (a) above;
(Ii) a recombinant vector comprising at least one polynucleotide encoding any one of the polypeptides, and capable of expressing the polypeptide in vivo;
(Iii) an isolated antigen-presenting cell comprising a complex of any one of the polypeptides and an MHC molecule; and (iv) an isolated T cell specific for any one of the polypeptides,
A method for treating or preventing cancer, comprising administering one or more selected from the group consisting of to a subject animal in need thereof.
The method according to claim 16, wherein the polypeptide having immunity-inducing activity is at least one polypeptide selected from the group of polypeptides described in (c) to (h) below:
(c) a polypeptide comprising the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NOs: 3-36;
(d) a polypeptide in which one to several amino acids are deleted, substituted, inserted or added in the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide according to (c);
(e) a polypeptide comprising the polypeptide according to (c) or (d) as a partial sequence;
(f) a polypeptide consisting of the amino acid sequence shown in SEQ ID NOs: 37 to 45;
(g) a polypeptide in which one to several amino acids are deleted, substituted, inserted or added in the amino acid sequence of the polypeptide described in (f);
(h) A polypeptide comprising the polypeptide according to (f) or (g) as a partial sequence.
The method according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the cancer is a cancer that expresses SCD1 protein.